With one of the most beautiful campuses in the United States, there are big shoes to fill when it comes to designing a new building for <a href="http://inhabitat.com/rafael-vinolys-new-stanford-hospital-design-features-modular-daylight-filled-cubes/">Stanford University</a>. <a href="http://inhabitat.com/enneads-gateway-center-sustainably-enhances-westchester-community-college/">Ennead Architects</a> took the challenge in stride when they were asked to design the William H Neukom Building, the new focal point for the university's <a href="http://www.law.stanford.edu/">law school</a>. The architects implemented a number of strategies into the design, including measures to reduce the building's <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/carbon-footprint">carbon footprint</a> and to lower energy use to one-third of what a typical California building would use. Organized around a central landscaped courtyard, the Neukom Building is stoic enough for the quintessential law experience, but remains open and welcoming to students and visitors.

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William H Neukom Building-Ennead Architects

Opening just in time for law school commencement in May, the Neukom Building will serve as the new focal point for the law students and faculty.

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William H Neukom Building-Ennead Architects

A large rotunda marks the main entrance of the building.

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William H Neukom Building-Ennead Architects

The outdoor rotunda also references the historic entry gates on the main quad.

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William H Neukom Building-Ennead Architects

Positioned so that the building lines up with the surrounding circulation routes, wide walkways and palm trees line the way to the building.

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William H Neukom Building-Ennead Architects

Ample bike parking is provided around the building.

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William H Neukom Building-Ennead Architects

The Neukom Building is both classically Stanford, but also a slightly more sophisticated version of the typical architecture found on campus.

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William H Neukom Building-Ennead Architects

The 65,000 sq ft building is composed of four three-story wings surrounding a central landscaped courtyard called the Faculty Garden, a shadedoutdoor "living room" that accommodated social events, chance meetings, and private study.

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William H Neukom Building-Ennead Architects

Inside, the student and faculty center holds seminar rooms, a law clinic, faculty offices, the Dean's suite, and meeting and lounge rooms.

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William H Neukom Building-Ennead Architects

Shading devices cover the indoor living room ensuring that there is always a quiet shady spot to sit and talk.

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William H Neukom Building-Ennead Architects

Stunning landscaping accents the courtyard.

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William H Neukom Building-Ennead Architects

The indoor living room is quite formal and even resembles the interior of a courtroom.

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William H Neukom Building-Ennead Architects

Rainwater slides off the roof into collection basins and daylighting enters through the windows.

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William H Neukom Building-Ennead Architects

Hot air moves up and out through operable windows near the roof.

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William H Neukom Building-Ennead Architects

With one of the most beautiful campuses in the United States, there are big shoes to fill when it comes to designing a new building for Stanford University. Ennead Architects took the challenge in stride when they were asked to design the William H Neukom Building, the new focal point for the university's law school. The architects implemented a number of strategies into the design, including measures to reduce the building's carbon footprint and to lower energy use to one-third of what a typical California building would use. Organized around a central landscaped courtyard, the Neukom Building is stoic enough for the quintessential law experience, but remains open and welcoming to students and visitors.